When I feed feral cats that are not 100% used to me, should I leave the food there? Or watch them eat it? Today I got a can of sardines, slapped them on a paper plate, and took it outside where the cats normally be. Its a mother, and her two kittens which are about 8 months old. When I fed them, I crouched down and put the food right in front of me, then slowly crept towards me and started eating. If I made a sudden move, they would back up like 4 feet, then eventually continue eating.
2006-10-20 10:38:20 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I will always love and care for cats. I love cats more than I love God.
2006-10-20 10:50:49 · update #1
I already ordered a humane cat trap. it isn't here yet, so I'm trying to get them used to eating near me.
2006-10-20 11:06:26 · update #2
I would just leave the food there. If the cats are feral and they are older than 6 weeks or so they will probably never really be tame. You can feed the cats, but they will never really become pets. The best thing to do would be to trap them and take them to the vet to be fixed. Cat overpopulation is way out of control at least where I live.
2006-10-20 10:46:43 · answer #1 · answered by kat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay... Well this is something you are going to have to do everyday! I have the same problem at home. My cat had kittens under someone elses house... And when they got old enough they would follow her here to eat. They are about 8 months old... and they are still like that. I just show them Im not going to hurt them... and try and get them use to my voice. This will take a lot of time and care. Try touching them solfly while they are eating. Then try putting your hand out and letting them smell of you. This will take a lot of time too.
Good luck with your feral kittens! =)
2006-10-20 17:48:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're doing it right, getting down at their level (I think they know when you are down like that you can't possible move on them as fast) and waiting patiently for them to approach.
You can also do some "phantom" T-touch with them. You take the four fingers of your hand together and make a circle, six o'clock to six o'clock. Any size circle - movement of hand and fingers won't frighten them. As you make the circles, slowly blink your eyes at them and tell them you love them and they are safe in your presence. You really get their attention this way and they will get your message. And stay with them while they eat so they become accustomed to your quiet, unthreatening presence.
Don't just give them canned sardines (which I'm sure they LOVE!) They need canned cat food as they must have taurine for their optimum health and the sardines don't have it.
2006-10-20 18:21:30 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sardines are terribly bad for cats.. and should only be used as bait to catch them.. if you really really love cats you would trap them and take them to a shelter... leaving them feral isnt helping them - they probably have worms, lice, fleas, and will suffer horribly in the long run - the kittens should have been caught months ago and tamed..
honestly as terrible as it sounds the best thing is to trap and remove them - either have them spayed or neutered and given to good farm homes (most farm homes are not good) or have them euthanized rather than continue to contribute to the feral cat population....
I love cats too... which is why I think long term
2006-10-20 18:03:18 · answer #4 · answered by CF_ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would leave the food in an area where you can keep watch and if you want to pet them then let them come to you. If you keep approaching them at this early time they will keep getting scared. I suggest water and a good quality cat food if you feel its neccessary to put effort and money into the situation. Do not gie them milk....cats get diarrea from milk because they are lactose intolerant.
2006-10-20 18:01:19 · answer #5 · answered by Lisa 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fact that you love cats more than God would explain why you know nothing about cats or Bears!
2006-10-20 21:51:44 · answer #6 · answered by sixfoot8bkr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave the food there for them. If you want to watch them eat do it from a distance.
2006-10-20 18:05:09 · answer #7 · answered by Thankyou4givengmeaheadache 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just keep feeding them and some milk or water . It time they will trust you. Maybe lay out a warm blanket for them. Nice to know someone is nice to anmails.
2006-10-20 17:43:37 · answer #8 · answered by kitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand what you want to do. They are scared of humans. It does sound like you are gaining there trust. Just continue to do what your doing just a little slower and NO sudden movements they'll run.
2006-10-20 17:45:38 · answer #9 · answered by ascendent2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋